UNION CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fibralign Corp., a Stanford spin-out developer of therapeutic biomedical devices, has announced today that it has executed a long term distributor agreement with Terumo Corporation to market and distribute the BioBridge® Collagen Matrix in Japan for treating and preventing secondary lymphedema.
BioBridge is a sterile implantable biocompatible and biodegradable surgical mesh made of highly purified collagen and is created with Fibralign’s patented Nanoweave® technology. This novel medical device is commercially available in the US and has 510(k) clearance from the FDA for use in surgery to reinforce and repair soft tissue where weakness and deficiencies exist. Published preclinical studies and early clinical usage have shown that BioBridge supports the repair of damaged lymphatic vessels, a condition that can occur as a result of cancer treatments. Fibralign is currently pursuing regulatory approval in the US, Europe and other key markets to market BioBridge for addressing lymphedema.
This agreement is an outcome of an ongoing collaboration between Fibralign and Terumo where the two companies have agreed to partner in efforts to commercialize BioBridge in Japan. Terumo has received exclusive distributor rights to BioBridge in Japan for treating and preventing lymphedema and has agreed to provide defined milestone payments to Fibralign. Terumo is also taking the lead in conducting clinical studies and completing the regulatory review before introducing BioBridge commercially in Japan. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
About Secondary Lymphedema
Secondary lymphedema is a serious, global, progressive disease that can develop as a result of cancer treatments. Such interventions, while life-saving, sometimes destroy enough lymphatic function that the cancer survivor is left with a condition in the affected limb that includes painful swelling, frequent infections that can be life-threatening and, ultimately, irreversible structural changes in the tissues, which can result in severe deformity, and serious reduction in function and have a profound impact on quality-of-life. Current treatments for lymphedema are limited, and there is no cure.
About Fibralign Corporation
Fibralign Corporation is a commercial stage healthcare company that produces advanced therapeutic biomedical devices designed to address significant unmet medical needs by utilizing its patented Nanoweave® 3D scaffolding technology. http://www.fibralignbio.com
About Terumo
Terumo (TSE:4543) is a global leader in medical technology and has been committed to "Contributing to Society through Healthcare" for nearly 100 years. Based in Tokyo and operating globally, Terumo employs more than 25,000 associates worldwide to provide innovative medical solutions in more than 160 countries and regions. The company started as a Japanese thermometer manufacturer, and has been supporting healthcare ever since. Now, its extensive business portfolio ranges from vascular intervention and cardio-surgical solutions, blood transfusion and cell therapy technology, to medical products essential for daily clinical practice. Terumo will further strive to be of value to patients, medical professionals, and society at large.